Home Safety During the Holidays

According to estimates from the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, more than 14,000 people in the U.S. end up in emergency rooms with injuries from decorating during the holiday months. Fries from trees and candles can result in injuries, deaths and property damage or loss.

Home safety during the holidays is so important! Keep this holiday season safe by following these safety tips that will ensure a happy holiday season.

Get a Fresh Tree

A fresh tree is less of a fire hazard than a dry tree. In order to tell if a tree is fresh, look for a vibrant green color, needles that are hard to pull from the branches, and needles that don’t drop easily when you bounce the trunk on the ground.

Steer Clear of the Heat 

Never place a tree near a fireplace, vent, or radiator, or where it can block doorways or high-traffic areas. Heated rooms can easily dry out fresh trees, rapidly turning them into fire hazards. Also, avoid throwing wrapping paper into the fireplace. It can ignite suddenly and burn intensely.

Safety Outweighs Festive Decorations

If you’re decorating a tree in a home with children or pets, avoid sharp, weighted or breakable decorations and keep trimmings with small removable parts out of reach. Avoid ornaments that resemble candy or food, or that could tempt a child to eat or swallow them. But sure to only put unbreakable and nontoxic ornaments on the lowest areas of the Christmas tree.

Before You Plug In

Before you plug in any lights (indoor or outdoor), read labels for lights and other wired decorations to make sure they conform to acceptable wattage levels. Examine both new and old lights for broken or cracked sockets, frayed or bare wires, or loose connections. Don’t use damaged lights. Don’t put electric lights ion a metallic tree. Make sure each extension cord is rated for the intended use and is in good condition. Lastly, fasten outdoor lights securely to trees, the house, walls or other firm support to protect them from wind damage.

Proper Electricity Usage  

Only plug outdoor lights not a ground-fault circuit interrupter (GFCI). This type of outlet will shut down the circuit if there is overcorrect. Turn off all lights on tress and other decorations when you go to bed or leave the house. Lights could short-circuit and start a fire.

Candles

Keep lighted candles in nonflammable candleholders on stable, heat-resistant surfaces where children, guests, and/or pets can’t knock them over. Keep them away from anything that can fire or has the potential to combust. Make sure to blow them out when you leave the room or house or go to sleep. Battery-powered LED candles can be used as an alternative to lighted candles.

It’s better to be safe than sorry when it comes to decorating during the holidays. Practice these tips on home safety during the holidays to keep the festive season a time for celebration and cheer!

 

Cesi Pagano

949-370-0819

www.cesipagano.com